Unisex Adult Klister Ski Wax vs PS10 Yellow Wax: which is safer?
Swix PS10 Yellow Wax is the clear pick. Holmenkol Unisex Adult Klister Ski Wax carries a failing PFAS grade, and we never recommend buying a failing product.
Holmenkol
Unisex Adult Klister Ski Wax
PFAS grade
Overall grade
Verdict
Hazard flags
Material
Confidence
LikelyPFAS (PFAS "forever chemicals") in fluorocarbon additives
PossibleVOC (volatile organic compound) emissions during application and storage
PossibleSkin and eye contact irritation from fluorocarbon and hydrocarbon components
Our pick
Swix
PS10 Yellow Wax
PFAS grade
Overall grade
Verdict
Hazard flags
Material
Confidence
PossibleCombustion by-products during hot application
PossibleSkin and eye contact irritation
PossibleIngestion toxicity (accidental exposure)
Where these two actually differ
- We flag PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in fluorocarbon additives, VOC (volatile organic compound) emissions during application and storage and Skin and eye contact irritation from fluorocarbon and hydrocarbon components on the Holmenkol and not on the Swix.
- We flag Combustion by-products during hot application, Skin and eye contact irritation, Ingestion toxicity (accidental exposure) and Microabrasive particulates from worn base or scraping on the Swix and not on the Holmenkol.
- The Holmenkol is Hydrocarbon-based klister wax with fluorocarbon additives where the Swix is Hydrocarbon-based ski wax (paraffin/synthetic blend), which is most of the difference in these two grades.
- The gap is 60 points, wide enough that this is not a close call, and the Swix is the one to buy.
- We are less certain about the Holmenkol grade, at 45% confidence against 72%, because it discloses less.
Both products run through the same public rubric: materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls, plus a beyond-PFAS hazard analysis. Grades are model-based estimates, not lab tests. How grades work →
More ski & sports wax: see the full ranking